Stalin to Modi: "Why This Selective Discrimination?" on Metro Rejection

In a sharp escalation of Centre-State tensions, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister [M.K. Stalin] wrote a letter to Prime Minister [Narendra Modi] today, November 22, 2025, expressing "disappointment and anguish" over the Union Government's rejection of metro rail projects for [Coimbatore] and [Madurai]. Stalin has sought a personal meeting with the PM to urge a reconsideration, arguing that denying high-capacity transport to the state’s "growth engine cities" is discriminatory. The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs ([MoHUA]) had returned the proposals citing that neither city met the 20-lakh population threshold required by the 2017 Metro Rail Policy.

The Context (How We Got Here)

The controversy erupted earlier this week when MoHUA rejected the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) submitted by the Tamil Nadu government in February 2024. Union Minister [Manohar Lal Khattar] justified the decision by pointing to "technical discrepancies" and insufficient population density, suggesting bus-based alternatives instead. This rejection comes amidst a broader political standoff; Stalin recently formed a high-level committee to safeguard state autonomy and has clashed with the Centre over NEET, NEP, and tax devolutions. The metro denial is now being framed by the ruling DMK as another instance of the BJP-led Centre "punishing" a non-NDA state.

The Key Players (Who & So What)

M.K. Stalin (Tamil Nadu CM): The challenger. By writing directly to the PM and framing the issue as one of federal fairness ("Why selective application?"), he is positioning the metro rejection as a political grievance ahead of the 2026 assembly elections.
Manohar Lal Khattar (Union Minister): The defender of the Centre’s policy. His insistence on the 20-lakh population rule and technical viability puts the onus back on the state's planning, dismissing charges of bias.
The People of Coimbatore & Madurai: The ultimate stakeholders. Residents and industries in the "Manchester of South India" (Coimbatore) and the "Temple City" (Madurai) view the metro not just as transit, but as a symbol of modernization and economic competitiveness.

The BIGSTORY Reframe

While the headlines scream "discrimination," the deeper story is the weaponization of infrastructure policy. The Centre's strict adherence to the 2017 policy for Tamil Nadu stands in stark contrast to approvals granted for metros in cities like Agra, Patna, and Bhopal—all of which had populations under 20 lakh at the time of sanctioning. This inconsistency fuels the perception that infrastructure funding is no longer just about feasibility; it’s a lever of political negotiation. Stalin’s letter isn't just a request for trains; it's a dossier of "federal betrayal" being compiled for the next election cycle.

The Implications (Why This Changes Things)

This rejection threatens to stall the economic momentum of Tamil Nadu's Tier-2 cities, potentially driving investment to states with better urban connectivity. Politically, it hands the DMK a powerful narrative of "victimhood" to galvanize regional pride. However, it also forces a hard look at the viability of metros in smaller cities. With many Tier-2 metros (like Jaipur and Lucknow) struggling with low ridership, the Centre's push for cheaper Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) might be fiscally prudent, even if politically unpopular. The standoff leaves two major cities in limbo, caught between state ambition and central gatekeeping.

The Closing Question (Now, Think About This)

If smaller cities in politically aligned states get metros while bigger economic hubs in opposition states don't, is the "Metro Policy" really about population, or is it about politics?

FAQs

Why did the Centre reject the Coimbatore and Madurai metro projects? The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) rejected the proposals citing that the cities did not meet the benchmark population of 20 lakh (2 million) required under the Metro Rail Policy 2017. The ministry also noted discrepancies in traffic projections.

What is Stalin's argument in his letter to PM Modi? Stalin argued that the rejection causes "disappointment and anguish" and pointed out that metros were approved for other cities (like Agra, Kanpur, Patna) with lower populations than Coimbatore and Madurai. He called for a reconsideration and requested a personal meeting.

What is the population criteria for a metro rail project in India? According to the Metro Rail Policy 2017, a city should have a population of at least 20 lakh (2 million) to be eligible for a metro rail system.

Which other cities got metro approval with lower populations? Stalin and DMK leaders have highlighted that cities like Agra, Patna, Bhopal, and Indore received metro approvals despite having populations below the 20-lakh threshold at the time of sanctioning.

Sources

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Brajesh Mishra Associate Editor

Brajesh Mishra is an Associate Editor at BIGSTORY NETWORK, specializing in daily news from India with a keen focus on AI, technology, and the automobile sector. He brings sharp editorial judgment and a passion for delivering accurate, engaging, and timely stories to a diverse audience.